13 January 15 - 21, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents recently bulldozed and rebuilt block in Up- town. The neighbors include Mamani, which received a Michelin star this year. Two Hands Australian Cafe is a more casual spot, located next to the Michelin-recom- mended Written by the Seasons. The Bread Club is under construction, which is from the same group that owns Mamani. When Domodomo Ko opened early last year, it offered only a seasonal seven-course tasting menu, or domokase, for $95 per per- son, or $135 with wine or sake pairings. Then this summer, they introduced the à la carte menu and eventually the $49 three- course tasting menu. Don’t let “three-course” fool you, though: this is a substantial meal that includes hama- chi, 10 pieces of nigiri and two hand rolls. Highlight Reel for Budget Diners A highlight of the à la carte menu is the hwe dupbap, which is served in a layered orb (a ball-shaped plate) that is unpacked at the ta- ble (see photo at top). Inside it are seven pieces of sashimi, a scoop of rice topped with gochujang, along with ginger, wasabi and nori (seaweed paper). It’s a build-your- own handroll set, and it’s so much fun. And the best part is that it’s $28 for this high-end meal. We also ordered the Korean fried chicken as an appetizer ($18) and dumplings ($13), both of which were perfect. Altogether it was too much food for two people — and we mean as the highest compliment. We walked out spending just under $200 for two, including tax and tip, along with two non-alcoholic drinks and a couple of bottles of water. We could have easily kept it to just the tasting menu and waltzed out, bellies full with sushi, at a very reasonable price. Lunch Menu Unlike most omakase-focused restaurants in Dallas, Domodomo Ko is also open for lunch. They have bento boxes that range from $15 (roasted cauliflower) to $26 (miso black cod with a kobacha puree). Or get three handrolls for $23. There are also about eight a la carte items. The Cozy Space and Drinks The restaurant somewhat resembles a large, elegant greenhouse from the outside, with lots of glass and an open design. Inside, the space feels more like a café than a high-end sushi spot; there’s not a sushi counter or bar. We dined at night, and the lights were kept low and relaxed. The service is fast and attentive; our server helped us understand the menu and its various options. We didn’t order alco- holic drinks, but someone did stop by our ta- ble to ask us about drinks — perhaps someone who is over the drink program. There’s a full cocktail and wine menu. The menu, with its smaller options, feels right for the space. It’s a cozy and easy-going omakase, which is something Dallas needs. Party note: Domodomo Ko is closed for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The res- taurant is closed all day on Monday. Domodomo Ko, 2681 Howell St. Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 5:30 - 9 p.m.; Fri- day 11:30 - 2 p.m.; 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 5:30 - 9 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Monday Closed D INTERESTED CANDIDATES PLEASE SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO [email protected]
